First games for likely new Matildas coach to be in Perth against Slovenia and Panama

The Matildas have announced four upcoming games in Western Australia, with their new coach set to be in charge.

The Matildas’ first matches under likely new coach Joe Montemurro are set to take pace in Perth next month against Slovenia.

Football Australia announced on Monday that two games between the Matildas and the Slovenians would be played at HBF Park on June 26 and June 29.

The Matildas will then remain in Western Australia for another two-match series (July 5, Bunbury and July 8, HBF Park) against Panama.

Montemurro’s appointment as Australia’s coach is expected to be confirmed by the end of the month, with the Melbourne-born mentor set to cut ties with French club Lyon after this weekend’s Premiere Ligue final against Paris Saint Germain.

Joe Montemurro is set to take charge of the Matildas. Picture: Justin Tallis / AFP

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni is set to again be in charge for the team’s two games against Argentina on May 30 (Marvel Stadium, Melbourne) and June 2 (GIO Stadium, Canberra).

The busy schedule is part of the Matildas’ preparations for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which Australia is hosting from March 1.

“As we prepare for major tournaments, it’s vital to expose the team to a variety of tactical approaches,” Football Australia interim chief executive officer Heather Garriock said.

“We’re proud to continue our push into regional Australia, with Bunbury the latest community to welcome a national team.

“Following matches in Geelong, Newcastle, and Townsville, this visit reinforces our belief that every fan, regardless of postcode, deserves the opportunity to see their national teams live and be part of the game’s journey.”

The matches in Western Australia could also present the chance for Sam Kerr to return to her home state, although the star Matildas striker hasn’t played since January last year when she suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.

Originally published as First games for likely new Matildas coach to be in Perth against Slovenia and Panama